Due to increasing expansion across China within our Kids & Teens schools we are able to offer FREE upfront flights to many locations for a limited time.

We’re looking for amazing ESL teachers to join us in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and many other cities across China. Teach English to adults, children or at our online schools. Receive a great salary, competitive benefits and meet people from all over the world.

Learn more about how our jobs can get you started on a once-in-a-lifetime teaching career. Once you have experience in teaching, progress along the EF career path. Become a Senior Teacher, Director Of Studies or move into Product Development, Recruitment or Marketing.

See Michael’s journey from applying to be a teacher with EF to his first two weeks in China

Join a supportive community of EF staff and teachers from day one. We’re here to provide the support you need every step of the way, from preparing your legal work visa to airport pickup. Learn how to order food in Chinese with our free language classes or attend a company sponsored social or cultural event. There’s so much to experience living abroad and you’ll experience it to the fullest with EF.

Teaching at EF English First

EF English First, a division of EF Education First the world’s leading privately owned education company. Founded in 1965, EF operates in over 50 countries around the world. We have vacancies for teaching positions across China so if you prefer the fast paced city life like Shanghai, or want to be immersed in the more traditional culture of a smaller city, we probably have the position for you. We have both Kids & Teens schools and Adult schools in over 60 Cities in China.

Join our growing community of teachers

About EF English First

Requirements

At EF English First, you’ll be provided with the resources to become the best teacher you can be. Our new and colorful classrooms offer state-of-the-art technology including Internet connected computers, interactive whiteboards or touchscreen TVs and iPads. We also offer a world-class teacher development program with certification courses exclusively for our teachers to help them move into more senior positions within EF.

"At EF, we tend to share the same sense of adventure and community. We talk about new places to visit and things to do. Being a teacher is not a desk job. It’s hectic and can be hard work, but also fun. There's something that surprises me every day working in China that I know I wouldn't find anywhere else."

Do I need to be able to speak Chinese?

No. We never use Chinese in the classroom, don’t worry if you think that sounds strange, when you do our sponsored TEFL course it will become clear how we do this. Most cities in China have English road signs and English metro stations. Most restaurants have food in English, if not they generally have pictures. Learning some basic survival Chinese when you arrive, such as addresses for taxis and some food is recommended though just to make things a bit easier. In most large cities you can even order food using apps in English.

Will I be able to save money?

Yes, although it does depend on your lifestyle. The salary in RMB is above average for China so there’s normally some left at the end of the month to save or to pay off student loans. If you share an apartment with other teachers and eat Chinese food you will have more left than if you have your own place and eat western style food every day.

I don’t have a teaching background, can I still apply?

Yes. Previous teaching experience is not necessary, but is valued if you have it. We will give you all the skills you need to help you feel confident standing in a classroom. As long as you have a bachelor’s degree in any subject we can help you with the rest.

I have never lived abroad before will it be difficult to adjust?

It shouldn’t be too difficult to adjust, we have a community of over 2000 English teachers in China who help and support each other. We have our own social network for teachers to ask questions and look for assistance. Along with that we have organized social and cultural events for our teachers most of which are free, to help them meet other teachers and to understand Chinese culture.

I have more questions, what should I do?

Don’t worry, everybody has questions it’s understandable. The best thing to do is apply so that we have all your details and can make sure you meet the visa requirements. Once we know that, one of our recruiters will contact you for an initial chat before moving to interview. This is the best time to ask those initial questions, others can be asked at interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

46,500 – Number of EF staff, faculty and teachers

1965 – Year EF was founded

539 – EF schools and offices worldwide

TEACHING CAREERS WITH EF ENGLISH FIRST

5 – Percent of staff who relocated overseas last year to EF schools around the world